US8265957B2 - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for disease management - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for disease management. According to embodiments, a method for providing social interaction between a first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and a second handheld medical testing and monitoring device is provided. According to the method, at least one of a social networking profile and a diagnostic profile is received from the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device. A second user associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring device is selected based on the at least one of the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile. A user list at the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device is populated with a unique identifier enabling communication between a first user associated with the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and the second user associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/881,081, filed on Jan. 18, 2007, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to the field of medical devices. More specifically, the disclosure provided herein relates to the field of medical devices for disease management.

BACKGROUND

Active disease management generally requires a constant exchange of information between a patient, the patient's family, a caregiver, and a health-care professional (e.g., a physician). The health-care professional may seek regular diagnostic information regarding one or more conditions. The patient, the patient's family, and/or the caregiver may seek feedback associated with any changes in the diagnostic information. Acquiring regular diagnostic information, however, generally presents a significant challenge, especially for a health-care professional. For example, the patient may not be able to visit the health-care professional at adequate intervals due to time and/or cost constraints. A handheld medical testing and monitoring device may provide a cost-effective means with which to ensure constant communication between the patient and the health-care professional. An exemplary handheld medical testing and monitoring device is ONETOUCH, which is manufactured by JOHNSON AND JOHNSON.

The handheld medical testing and monitoring device may be configured to acquire diagnostic data related to a given condition at a given interval. For example, a diabetes-related monitoring device, such as ONETOUCH, may test the blood glucose level of a patient by collecting blood via a lancet prick and testing the collected blood. After the handheld medical testing and monitoring device acquires the blood glucose level of the patient, the handheld medical testing and monitoring device may transmit the blood glucose level over a network to a remote computer where the data is analyzed by, for example, the remote computer and/or a health-care professional. Based on patient's blood glucose level, the health-care professional may provide feedback, such as updated care information, to the patient, the patient's family, and/or the caregiver. Therefore, with the handheld medical testing and monitoring device, the health-care professional may remotely gather regular diagnostic information from the patient. With the regular diagnostic information, the health-care professional may timely provide the patient, the patient's family, and/or the caregiver potentially life-saving feedback in response to changes in the patient's diagnostic information.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure presented herein include methods, systems, and computer-readable media for disease management. According to a first aspect, a method for providing social interaction between a first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and a second handheld medical testing and monitoring device is provided. According to the method, at least one of a social networking profile and a diagnostic profile is received from the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device. A second user associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring device is selected based on the at least one of the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile. A user list at the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device is populated with a unique identifier enabling communication between a first user associated with the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and the second user associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring device.

According to a second aspect, a system for providing social interaction between a first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and a second handheld medical testing and monitoring device is provided. The system includes a memory and a processor functionally coupled to the memory. The memory stores a program containing code for providing social interaction between a first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and a second handheld medical testing and monitoring device. The processor is responsive to computer-executable instructions contained in the program and is operative to receive at least one of a social networking profile and a diagnostic profile from the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device, determine a second user associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring device based on the at least one of the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile, and populate a user list at the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device with a unique identifier enabling communication between a first user associated with the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and the second user associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring device.

According to a third aspect, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for providing social interaction between a first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and a second handheld medical testing and monitoring device is provided. According to the method, at least one of a social networking profile and a diagnostic profile is received from the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device. A second user associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring device is determined based on the at least one of the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile. A user list at the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device is populated with a unique identifier enabling communication between a first user associated with the first handheld medical testing and monitoring device and the second user associated with the second handheld medical testing and monitoring device.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computer program products be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a glucose monitoring system, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a handheld glucose monitor, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an advertising system including thehandheld glucose monitor102, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for receiving targeted advertising at a handheld glucose monitor, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a claims tracking system including thehandheld glucose monitor102, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating cost data related to a diagnostic profile of a user, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a social networking system including a first handheld glucose monitor and a second handheld glucose monitor, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing social interaction between the first handheld glucose monitor and the second handheld glucose monitor, in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to methods, systems, and computer-readable media for disease management. In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments or examples.

For the sake of simplicity and without limitation, an invasive blood glucose monitor is illustrated in exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the described embodiments may be applicable for noninvasive blood glucose monitors, other suitable blood analyte monitors, and other suitable invasive and noninvasive medical testing and monitoring devices. Examples of other blood analyte monitors include, but are not limited to, monitors for testing cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid. Examples of other medical testing and monitoring devices include, but are not limited to, devices for testing and monitoring blood pressure, electrocardiogram (“ECG” or “EKG”) activity, and heart rate.

Referring now to the drawings, it is to be understood that like numerals represent like elements through the several figures, and that not all components and/or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments.FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating aglucose monitoring system100, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. Theglucose monitoring system100 includes ahandheld glucose monitor102, which is described in greater detail below. Thehandheld glucose monitor102 is coupled to aglucose monitoring unit104 via anetwork106. According to exemplary embodiments, thehandheld glucose monitor102 is configured to collect a blood sample from auser108 through, for example, a lancing device (not shown) on thehandheld glucose monitor102. After the blood sample is collected, thehandheld glucose monitor102 may process the collected blood sample to obtain a blood glucose level, which may then be transmitted to theglucose monitoring unit104. According to exemplary embodiments, theglucose monitoring unit104 is a computing device configured to receive blood glucose levels of theuser108 from thehandheld glucose monitor102 over thenetwork106. Communications between thehandheld glucose monitor102 and theglucose monitoring unit104 may be encrypted to prevent an eavesdropper from accessing private medical information transmitted between thehandheld glucose monitor102 and theglucose monitoring unit104.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, thehandheld glucose monitor102 includes anetwork adapter110, anadvertising module112, aclaims tracking module114, and asocial networking module116. Thenetwork adapter110 enables thehandheld glucose monitor102 to communicate with theglucose monitoring unit104 over thenetwork106. Examples of thenetwork adapter110 may include, but are not limited to, a modem, a radio frequency (“RF”) or infrared (“IR”) transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, a router, or a network card. Thenetwork106 may include a wireless network such as, but not limited to, a Wireless Local Area Network (“WLAN”) such as a WI-FI network, a Wireless Wide Area Network (“WWAN”), a Wireless Personal Area Network (“WPAN”) such as BLUETOOTH, a Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (“WMAN”) such a WiMAX network, or a cellular network. Alternatively, thenetwork106 may be a wired network such as, but not limited to, a Wide Area Network (“WAN”) such as the Internet, a Local Area Network (“LAN”) such as the Ethernet, a wired Personal Area Network (“PAN”), or a wired Metropolitan Area Network (“MAN”). It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that theglucose monitoring unit104 may also include a network adapter, such as thenetwork adapter110.

According to exemplary embodiments, theadvertising module112, which is described in greater detail with respect toFIGS. 3 and 4, enables the handheld glucose monitor102 to receive targeted advertising, such as targetedadvertising308. In one embodiment, the targetedadvertising308 is displayed via a display (not shown) on thehandheld glucose monitor102. The targetedadvertising308 may be targeted based on an advertising profile, such as anadvertising profile302, of theuser108. Theadvertising profile302 may include any suitable criteria of theuser108 including, but not limited to, the user's age, location, and health condition. In one embodiment, the user's location may be determined using a positioning device (not shown), such as a global positioning system (“GPS”) device, in thehandheld glucose monitor102. The targetedadvertising308 may provide a means by which the handheld glucose monitor102 is subsidized, thereby making the handheld glucose monitor102 more affordable for more users.

According to exemplary embodiments, theclaims tracking module114, which is described in greater detail with respect toFIGS. 4 and 5, enables theuser108 to track cost savings and/or increases in response to the improving or declining health condition of theuser108. In one embodiment, after the handheld glucose monitor102 determines the blood glucose level of theuser108, theclaims tracking module114 may determine that the health condition of theuser108 has improved over a given period of time. In response to the health condition of theuser108 improving, theclaims tracking module114 may display real and/or potential cost data, such ascost data506, to theuser108 via thehandheld glucose monitor102. In one embodiment, thecost data506 is displayed via a display (not shown) on thehandheld glucose monitor102. Thecost data506 may include, but is not limited to, decreases in visits with the health-care professional, decreases in drug usage related to regulating blood glucose levels, and decreases in overall insurance costs related to the improving health condition of theuser108. In further embodiments, theclaims tracking module114 may be aided by diagnostic data provided by theglucose monitoring unit104 over thenetwork106. For example, theglucose monitoring unit104 may track the blood glucose levels of theuser108 over a period of time to determine whether the health condition of theuser108 has improved.

According to exemplary embodiments, thesocial networking module116, which is described in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 7 and 8, enables theuser108 to find targeted “buddies” (also known as “peers,” “contacts,” “friends,” and the like) from a social network of buddies including theuser108. Each buddy may be associated with a screen name or other unique identification (“ID”). A plurality of screen names may populate a buddy list with which theuser108 can use to communicate with buddies within the social network. In one embodiment, thesocial networking module116 automatically finds at least one buddy based on a social networking profile, such as social networking profiles702aand702b, of theuser108. The social networking profiles702aand702bmay include any suitable social criteria of theuser108 including, but not limited to, the user's age, location, and health condition. For example, thesocial networking module116 may automatically find at least one buddy who is approximately the user's age, is within a given distance of the user's location, and shares at least one of the user's health conditions. In one embodiment, the user's location may be determined using a positioning device (not shown), such as a global positioning system (“GPS”) device, in thehandheld glucose monitor102. Thesocial networking module116 may enable the exchange of medical information, such as information related to living with diabetes, and non-medical information, such information related to the newest blockbuster movie.

It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that two or more of theadvertising module112, theclaims tracking module114, and thesocial networking module116 may be utilized in conjunction to provide additional capabilities to theuser108, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. In one example, the same profile containing information related to theuser108, such as the user's age, location, and health condition, may be used by theadvertising module112 for providing targeted advertising and by thesocial networking module116 for finding targeted buddies. In another example, targeted advertising provided by theadvertising module112 to theuser108 may be provided to other users on the buddy list of theuser108. In yet another example, cost savings data provided to theuser108 via theclaims tracking module114 may be shared with other users utilizing thesocial networking module116. Other implementations utilizing two or more of theadvertising module112, theclaims tracking module114, and thesocial networking module116 will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which embodiments of the handheld glucose monitor102 may be implemented. While embodiments will be described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments may also be implemented in combination with other program modules.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating thehandheld glucose monitor102, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The handheld glucose monitor102 includes aprocessing unit202, amemory204, aninput interface adapter206, anoutput interface adapter208, and thenetwork adapter110, each of which is operatively connected to a system bus210. The bus210 enables bi-directional communication between theprocessing unit202, thememory204, theinput interface adapter206, theoutput interface adapter208, and thenetwork adapter110. In further embodiments, the handheld glucose monitor102 may be embodied within or coupled to any suitable portable computing devices including, but not limited to, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, cellular phones, and mobile media players configured to output audio, video, and other multimedia.

Theprocessing unit202 may be a standard central processor that performs arithmetic and logical operations, a more specific purpose programmable logic controller (“PLC”), a programmable gate array, or other type of processor known to those skilled in the art and suitable for controlling the operation of the server computer. Processing units are well-known in the art, and therefore not described in further detail herein.

Thememory204 communicates with theprocessing unit202 via the system bus210. In one embodiment, thememory204 is operatively connected to a memory controller (not shown) that enables communication with theprocessing unit202 via the system bus210. Thememory204 includes theadvertising module112, theclaims tracking module114, and thesocial networking module116 ofFIG. 1. Theadvertising module112 is described in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 3 and 4. Theclaims tracking module114 is described in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 5 and 6. Thesocial networking module116 is described in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 7 and 8. In exemplary embodiments, one or more of theadvertising module112, theclaims tracking module114, and thesocial networking module116 are embodied in computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed by theprocessing unit202, perform a method as described in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 4,6, and8, respectively. According to further embodiments, theadvertising module112, theclaims tracking module114, and thesocial networking module116 may be embodied in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, Erasable Programmable ROM (“EPROM”), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (“EEPROM”), flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (“DVD”), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by thehandheld glucose monitor102.

Theinput interface adapter206 receives data input from theuser108. The data may be input via any suitable input device, such as a keyboard or a stylus. The input devise may also be a medical testing device, such as a lancing device for collecting blood. Theoutput interface adapter208 outputs data to theuser108. The data may be output via any suitable output device, such as a display and a speaker. The input and output devices may be embodied within a single unit, such as a touch-screen display. The input and output devices may be embodied within or coupled to thehandheld glucose monitor102.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of anadvertising system300 including thehandheld glucose monitor102. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the handheld glucose monitor102 includes theadvertising module112 described inFIGS. 1 and 2. Theadvertising module112 includes theadvertising profile302 and adiagnostic profile304 of theuser108. Theadvertising system300 includes anadvertising supply module306. The handheld glucose monitor102 is coupled to theadvertising supply module306 via thenetwork106. In one embodiment, theadvertising supply module306 is embodied within theglucose monitoring unit104. In further embodiments, theadvertising supply module306 is separate from theglucose monitoring unit104.

Theadvertising profile302 may include any suitable advertising-related information about theuser108, such as the user's age, location, and health condition. Thediagnostic profile304 includes any suitable diagnostic data, such as the user's current and archived blood glucose levels, collected from theuser108 by thehandheld glucose monitor102, according to one embodiment. The archived blood glucose levels may include blood glucose levels collected within any suitable time frames.

In one embodiment, theadvertising module112 transmits theadvertising profile302 and thediagnostic profile304 to theadvertising supply module306 over thenetwork106. In response to receiving theadvertising profile302 and thediagnostic profile304, theadvertising supply module306 determines which advertisements to transmit to theuser108 based on theadvertising profile302 and thediagnostic profile304. These selected advertisements are referred to herein as the targetedadvertising308. According to exemplary embodiments, theadvertising supply module306 transmits the targetedadvertising308 to the handheld glucose monitor102 via thenetwork106. In one embodiment, the targetedadvertising308 is stored in thememory204. The targetedadvertising308 may be output to theuser108 using any suitable output device, such as a display or a speaker, embodied within or coupled to thehandheld glucose monitor102.

In one embodiment, advertisers and/or marketers may configure one or more parameters associated with theadvertising supply module306. For example, theadvertising supply module306 may include parameters specifying which content in theadvertising profile302 and thediagnostic profile304 that would trigger theadvertising supply module306 to transmit the targetedadvertising308 to theuser108 via thehandheld glucose monitor102. In one embodiment, the user may also configure one or more of the parameters. For example, the user may configure parameters to refuse advertising.

In one embodiment, the targetedadvertising308 is automatically provided to theuser108 via the handheld glucose monitor102 without intervention from theuser108. Examples of the targetedadvertising308 include, but are not limited to, condition-related medical products, condition-related clothing, condition-related foods, and miscellaneous personal care items. For a diabetic, for example, the condition-related medical products may include glucose test strips and insulin, and the condition-related foods may include sugar-free and low-carbohydrate foods.

By automatically providing the targetedadvertising308 to theuser108, the handheld glucose monitor102 may be financially supported by those advertisers and/or marketers providing the targetedadvertising308. For example, the advertisings and/or marketers may pay advertising fees for theadvertising supply module306 to transmit the targetedadvertising308 to thehandheld glucose monitor102. Those advertising fees may be used to subsidize the cost of thehandheld glucose monitor102.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating amethod400 for receiving targetedadvertising308 at the handheld glucose monitor, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. According to themethod400, theadvertising module112 transmits (at402) theadvertising profile302 and thediagnostic profile304 to theadvertising supply module306. Theadvertising profile302 may include any suitable advertising-related information about theuser108, such as the user's age, location, and health condition. Thediagnostic profile304 may include any suitable diagnostic data related to theuser108, such as the user's current and archived blood glucose levels, gathered by thehandheld glucose monitor102, according to one embodiment. The transmission of theadvertising profile302 and thediagnostic profile304 may be initiated by theuser108 or automatically transmitted at given times or in response to given actions of theuser108.

According to exemplary embodiments, theadvertising supply module306 determines the targetedadvertising308 to transmit to the handheld glucose monitor102 based on theadvertising profile302 and thediagnostic profile304. In one example, the targetedadvertising308 may include businesses at or near the location of theuser108 provided in theadvertising profile302. In another example, the targetedadvertising308 may include medical products related to the diagnostic information provided in thediagnostic profile304. Theadvertising module112 receives (at404) the targetedadvertising308 from theadvertising supply module306. Theadvertising module112 outputs (at406) the targetedadvertising308 to theuser108 via any suitable output device, such as a display or a speaker, embodied within or coupled to thehandheld glucose monitor102.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of aclaims tracking system500 including thehandheld glucose monitor102. The handheld glucose monitor102 includes theclaims tracking module114 described inFIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated inFIG. 5, theclaims tracking module114 includes aclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304. Theclaims tracking system500 includes a costdata supply module504. The handheld glucose monitor102 is coupled to the costdata supply module504 via thenetwork106. In one embodiment, the costdata supply module504 is embodied within theglucose monitoring unit104. In further embodiments, the costdata supply module504 is separate from theglucose monitoring unit104.

Theclaims tracking profile502 may include any suitable claims tracking information about theuser108, such as the cost of office visits, the cost of medications, and other health-related costs. The health-related costs may be based on a current fee schedule or historic data based on what theuser108 paid in the past. The health-related costs may further be based on insurance-related costs, such as premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses. In one embodiment, theclaims tracking profile502 may include information regarding the insurance coverage (e.g., the name of the provider and the type of coverage) of theuser108. As previously described, thediagnostic profile304 may include any suitable diagnostic data related to theuser108, such as the user's current and archived blood glucose levels, gathered by thehandheld glucose monitor102, according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, theclaims tracking module114 transmits theclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304 to the costdata supply module504 over thenetwork106. In response to receiving theclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304, the costdata supply module504 determines thecost data506 related to theuser108 based on theclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304 of theuser108. In one example, an improvement in the blood glucose level of theuser108 as shown in thediagnostic profile304 may yield a decrease in the amount of drugs utilized by theuser108. Thus, depending on the information provided in theclaims tracking profile502, the decrease in the amount of drugs utilized by theuser108 may also yield a cost savings to theuser108. In another example, a worsening in the blood glucose level of theuser108 as shown in thediagnostic profile304 may yield an increase in the amount of drugs utilized by theuser108. Thus, depending on the information provided in theclaims tracking profile502, the increase in the amount of drugs utilized by theuser108 may yield a cost increase to theuser108. According to exemplary embodiments, the cost savings and increase determined based on theclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304 are reflected in thecost data506.

In one embodiment, the costdata supply module504 transmits thecost data506 to the handheld glucose monitor102 via thenetwork106. In one embodiment, thecost data506 is stored in thememory204. Thememory204 may store thecost data506 for any suitable time period. Thecost data506 may be output to theuser108 using any suitable output device, such as a display or a speaker, embodied within or coupled to thehandheld glucose monitor102. Thecost data506 output to theuser108 may include current cost data as well as historic cost data. By concurrently displaying thecost data506 over an extended time period, theuser108 can easily view and compare fluctuations in health-related costs over the time period. Thecost data506 may be displayed in any suitable multimedia format, including, but not limited to, video, pictures, graphics, sound, and text.

Thecost data506 may include direct cost savings/increases and indirect cost savings/increases. Exemplary direct cost savings/increases may include, but are not limited to, a reduction or increase of emergency room (“ER”) visits, a reduction or increase in medical supplies, and a reduction or increase in treatment and medication costs. Exemplary indirect cost savings/increases may include, but are not limited to, reduction or increase in missed time at work and a reduction or increase in disability costs. In one embodiment, thecost data506 is determined based on a single user, such as theuser108. In further embodiments, thecost data506 is aggregated based on a plurality of users. Thecost data506 may be output along with national averages of data related to thecost data506 to provide a comparison between thecost data506 and the national averages.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating amethod600 for generating cost data, such as thecost data506, related to thediagnostic profile304 of theuser108, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. A handheld medical testing and monitoring device, such as thehandheld glucose monitor102, collects (at602) diagnostic data related to theuser108. In one embodiment, the collected diagnostic data is stored within thediagnostic profile304. The handheld glucose monitor102 may collect, for example, the current blood glucose level of theuser108. In one embodiment, theuser108 utilizes a lancing device (not shown) on the handheld glucose monitor102 to draw blood for blood glucose testing. Theclaims tracking module114 transmits (at604) via thenetwork106 theclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304 to the costdata supply module504.

In response to receiving theclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304, the costdata supply module504 determines thecost data506 related to theuser108 based on theclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304 of theuser108. Thediagnostic profile304 may indicate the health condition of the user. Theclaims tracking profile502 may provide claims tracking information (e.g., the cost of office visits, the cost of medications, and other health-related costs). Thecost data506 may indicate, for example, a cost savings or a cost increase, based on theclaims tracking profile502 and thediagnostic profile304. Theclaims tracking module114 receives (at606) thecost data506 from the costdata supply module504. Theclaims tracking module114 outputs (at608) thecost data506 to theuser108 using any suitable output device, such as a display or a speaker, embodied within or coupled to thehandheld glucose monitor102.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of asocial networking system700 including a first handheld glucose monitor102aand a second handheld glucose monitor102b. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the first handheld glucose monitor102aincludes a first social networking module116a, and the second handheld glucose monitor102bincludes a secondsocial networking module116b. Thesocial networking system700 further includes asocial management module704. The handheld glucose monitors102aand102bare coupled to thesocial management module704 via thenetwork106. In one embodiment, thesocial management module704 is embodied within theglucose monitoring unit104. In further embodiments, thesocial management module704 is separate from theglucose monitoring unit104.

According to exemplary embodiments, the first social networking module116aincludes the firstsocial networking profile702aand a firstdiagnostic profile304a. The firstsocial networking profile702aand the firstdiagnostic profile304aare associated with afirst user108a. The secondsocial networking module116bincludes the secondsocial networking profile702band a seconddiagnostic profile304b. The secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304bare associated with asecond user108b. The social networking profiles702aand702bmay include medical information, such as insulin dosages of theusers108aand108b, respectively, and non-medical information, such as hobbies of theusers108aand108b, respectively. In one embodiment, the social networking profiles702aand702bmay include similar information provided in theadvertising profile302 and theclaims tracking profile502, such as the users' ages, locations, health conditions, and health care costs. The firstdiagnostic profile304aincludes diagnostic data about thefirst user108acollected by the first handheld glucose monitor102a. The seconddiagnostic profile304bincludes diagnostic data about thesecond user108bcollected by the second handheld glucose monitor102b. An example of diagnostic data collected by the handheld glucose monitors102aand102bincludes the current blood glucose levels of theusers108aand108b, respectively.

According to exemplary embodiments, thesocial management module704 coordinates communications between a plurality of users, such as theusers108aand108b, over thenetwork106. For example, thesocial management module704 may coordinate communications between thefirst user108aand thesecond user108bvia the first handheld glucose monitor102aand the second handheld glucose monitor102b, respectively. Exemplary communications may include, but are not limited to, text messages, electronic mail (“email”), photos, audio messages, and video messages. By incorporating a social networking component into the handheld glucose monitors102aand102b, theusers108aand108bmay enjoy a richer experience than simply testing their blood glucose levels.

In one embodiment, thefirst user108ais identified by a first buddy name or other unique identifier (“ID”), and thesecond user108bis identified by a second buddy name or other unique ID. The use of buddy names may enable theusers108aand108bto communicate with each other anonymously. For example, if thefirst user108adesires to send a communication to thesecond user108b, thesocial networking system700 may be configured such that thefirst user108asends the communication to thesecond user108busing only the second buddy name. That is, the second buddy name may hide personal information of thesecond user108b, such as the user's name, address, and phone number.

In one embodiment, when a user, such as thefirst user108a, desires to participate in thesocial networking system700, thefirst user108aregisters with thesocial management module704. In one embodiment, the process for registering thefirst user108aincludes choosing a buddy name and transmitting the firstsocial networking profile702aand the firstdiagnostic profile304ato thesocial management module704. In further embodiments, thefirst user108amay establish a new profile with thesocial management module704 during the registration process or decide to send one or the other of the firstsocial networking profile702aand the firstdiagnostic profile304a. In one embodiment, thesocial management module704 searches for one or more other users on thenetwork106 based on the firstsocial networking profile702a. Thesocial management module704 may search under any suitable criteria including, but not limited to, a similar medical condition, a similar location, and/or similar hobbies. In one embodiment, thesocial management module704 searches the other users dynamically. For example, thesocial management module704 may dynamically retrieve the secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304bfrom the second handheld glucose monitor102bto compare with the firstsocial networking profile702aand the firstdiagnostic profile304a. In further embodiments, thesocial management module704 searches a database containing data of the other users. For example, the database may be previously populated with the secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304b, so that a comparison may be made with the firstsocial networking profile702aand the firstdiagnostic profile304awithout dynamically retrieving the secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304b.

When thesocial management module704 finds one or more users, such as thesecond user108b, with similar criteria to thefirst user108a, thesocial management module704 populates a buddy list associated with thefirst user108awith the buddy name of thesecond user108b. To facilitate a more active social network, thesocial management module704 may automatically populate the buddy list associated with thefirst user108awith at least one user, such as thesecond user108b.

If, for example, thesecond user108bmatches thefirst user108aunder the criteria utilized by thesocial management module704, then thesocial management module704 may populate buddy lists on the first handheld glucose monitor102aand the second handheld glucose monitor102b. The buddy lists may be accessible through input and output interfaces, such as a stylus and a display, on the handheld glucose monitors102aand102b. In one embodiment, each buddy name on the buddy list is associated with a buddy profile, which is associated with a user, such as theusers108aand108b. For example, thefirst user108amay desire to share her location, medical condition, and the firstdiagnostic profile304a. If thefirst user108ais on the buddy list of thesecond user108b, then thesecond user108bmay be able to view the buddy profile of thefirst user108a. In particular, thesecond user108bmay be able to view the progress of thefirst user108aby accessing the firstdiagnostic profile304a. If the firstdiagnostic profile304aindicates that the health condition of thefirst user108ahas improved, then thesecond user108bmay send a communication of congratulations to thefirst user108a. If, on the other hand, the firstdiagnostic profile304a indicates that the health condition of thefirst user108ahas not improved or worsened, then thesecond user108bmay send a communication of encouragement to thefirst user108a. The communications sent between users, such as theusers108aand108b, may be manually entered or selected from a plurality of pre-defined communications. By enabling the sharing of thediagnostic profile304 between users, such as theusers108aand108b, thesocial management module704 may create a collaborative wellness network promoting behavioral modification.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating amethod800 for providing social interaction between the first handheld glucose monitor102aand the second handheld glucose monitor102b, in accordance with exemplary embodiments. According to themethod800, thesocial management module704 receives (at802) the firstsocial networking profile702aand the firstdiagnostic profile304afrom the first handheld glucose monitor102a. Thesocial management module704 selects (at804) thesecond user108b, who is associated with the secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304b. In one embodiment, thesecond user108bmay be selected because of similarities between the firstsocial networking profile702aand the secondsocial networking profile702b, as well as similarities between the firstdiagnostic profile304aand the seconddiagnostic profile304b.

In one embodiment, thesocial management module704 dynamically retrieves the secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304bfrom the second handheld glucose monitor102bto compare with the firstsocial networking profile702aand the firstdiagnostic profile304a. In further embodiments, the firstsocial networking profile702aand the firstdiagnostic profile304aare compared with a database that is previously populated with the secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304b.

Thesocial management module704 determines (at806) whethersecond user108bhas allowed the sharing of the secondsocial networking profile702band/or the seconddiagnostic profile304b. In one embodiment, thesecond user108bmay decide which portions, if any, of the secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304bto share. For example, thesecond user108bmay not want to share certain personal data.

If thesecond user108bhas allowed sharing, thesocial management module704 populates (at808) a user list (e.g., a buddy list) at the first handheld glucose monitor102awith a unique identifier (e.g., buddy name), the secondsocial networking profile702b, and the seconddiagnostic profile304bassociated with thesecond user108b. If thesecond user108bhas not allowed sharing, thesocial management module704 populates (at810) the user list at the first handheld glucose monitor102awith the unique identifier associated with thesecond user108b, but without the secondsocial networking profile702band the seconddiagnostic profile304b. The unique identifier may enable thefirst user108ato communicate with thesecond user108bvia the first handheld glucose monitor102a. In further embodiments, in response to populating the user list at the first handheld glucose monitor102aof thefirst user108a, thesocial management module704 populates a user list at the second handheld glucose monitor102bof thesecond user108b. For example, the user list at the second handheld glucose monitor102bmay be populated with a unique identifier associated with thefirst user108a, the firstsocial networking profile702a, and/or the firstdiagnostic profile304aassociated with thefirst user108amay be populated in a user list at the second handheld glucose monitor102bdepending on whether thefirst user108ahas allowed or not allowed sharing.

Although the subject matter presented herein has been described in conjunction with one or more particular embodiments and implementations, it is to be understood that the embodiments defined in the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific structure, configuration, or functionality described herein. Rather, the specific structure, configuration, and functionality are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes may be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the embodiments, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. A method for providing social interaction between a first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device and a second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device, comprising:

receiving a social networking profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device associated with a first patient, the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device configured to acquire first diagnostic data regarding the first patient and transmit the first diagnostic data over a network to a first healthcare provider;

generating, through the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device, a diagnostic profile of the first patient, the diagnostic profile containing current and archived diagnostic information of the first patient including the first diagnostic data, the diagnostic profile stored on the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device;

receiving the diagnostic profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device;

selecting a second patient associated with the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device based on the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile indicating compatibility between the first patient and the second patient, the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device configured to acquire second diagnostic data regarding the second patient and transmit the second diagnostic data over the network to a second health-care provider; and

populating a user list at the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device with a unique identifier of the first patient enabling the second patient to communicate with the first patient, via the unique identifier, by way of the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the social networking profile comprises a health condition of the first patient.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the social networking profile further comprises an age and a location of the first patient.

4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the diagnostic information comprises current and archived blood glucose levels of the first patient acquired via the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

in response to populating the user list at the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device with the unique identifier, transmitting the diagnostic profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device to the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device via the unique identifier.

6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

receiving a selection of the unique identifier in a graphical user interface displayed on the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device;

in response to receiving the selection of the unique identifier, displaying in the graphical user interface a plurality of communications related to changes to the diagnostic profile associated with the unique identifier, the plurality of communications including communications of encouragement and communications of congratulations;

receiving, through the graphical user interface, a selection of at least one of the plurality of communications; and

in response to receiving, through the graphical user interface, the selection of the at least one of the plurality of communications, transmitting the at least one of the plurality of communications from the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device to the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

displaying the user list on the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device; and

initiating, at a request of the second patient via the unique identifier, communications between the first patient and the second patient via the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device and the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

8. A system for providing social interaction between a first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device and a second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device, comprising:

a memory for storing a program containing code for providing social interaction between the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device and the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device;

a processor functionally coupled to the memory, the processor being responsive to computer-executable instructions contained in the program and operative to at least:

receive a social networking profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device associated with a first patient, the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device configured to acquire first diagnostic data regarding the first patient and transmit the first diagnostic data over a network to a first healthcare provider,

generate, through the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device, a diagnostic profile of the first patient, the diagnostic profile containing current and archived diagnostic information of the first patient including the first diagnostic data, the diagnostic profile stored on the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device,

receive the diagnostic profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device,

select a second patient associated with the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device based on the at least one of the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile indicating compatibility between the first patient and the second patient, the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device configured to acquire second diagnostic data regarding the second patient and transmit the second diagnostic data over the network to a second health-care provider, and

populate a user list at the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device with a unique identifier of the first patient enabling the second patient to communicate with the first patient, via the unique identifier, by way of the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the social networking profile comprises a health condition of the first patient.

10. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the diagnostic information comprises current and archived blood glucose levels of the first patient acquired via the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

11. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the processor is further operative to at least:

in response to populating the user list at the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device with the unique identifier, transmit the diagnostic profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device to the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device via the unique identifier.

12. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the processor is further operative to at least:

receive a selection of the unique identifier in a graphical user interface displayed on the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device,

in response to receiving the selection of the unique identifier, display in the graphical user interface a plurality of communications related to changes to the diagnostic profile, the plurality of communications including communications of encouragement and communications of congratulations,

receive, through the graphical user interface, a selection of at least one of the plurality of communications; and

in response to receiving, through the graphical user interface, the selection of the at least one of the plurality of communications, transmit the at least one of the plurality of communications from the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device to the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

13. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the processor is further operative to at least:

display the user list on the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device; and

initiate, at a request of the second patient via the unique identifier, communications between the first patient and the second patient via the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device and the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

14. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for providing social interaction between a first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device and a second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device, the method comprising:

receiving a social networking profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device associated with a first patient, the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device configured to acquire first diagnostic data regarding the first patient and transmit the first diagnostic data over a network to a first healthcare provider;

generating, through the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device, a diagnostic profile of first patient, the diagnostic profile containing current and archived diagnostic information of the first patient including the first diagnostic data, the diagnostic profile stored on the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device;

receiving the diagnostic profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device;

selecting a second patient associated with the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device based on the at least one of the social networking profile and the diagnostic profile indicating compatibility between the first patient and the second patient, the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device configured to acquire second diagnostic data regarding the second patient and transmit the second diagnostic data over the network to a second health-care provider; and

populating a user list at the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device with a unique identifier of the first patient enabling the second patient to communicate with the first patient, via the unique identifier, by way of the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

15. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 14, wherein the social networking profile comprises a health condition of the first patient.

16. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the social networking profile further comprises an age and a location of the first patient.

17. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 14, wherein the diagnostic information comprises current and archived blood glucose levels of the first patient acquired via the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

18. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 14, the method further comprising:

in response to populating the user list at the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device with the unique identifier, transmitting the diagnostic profile from the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device to the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device via the unique identifier.

19. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 14, the method further comprising:

receiving a selection of the unique identifier in a graphical user interface displayed on the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device;

in response to receiving the selection of the unique identifier, displaying in the graphical user interface a plurality of communications related to changes to the diagnostic profile, the plurality of communications including communications of encouragement and communications of congratulations; and

receiving, through the graphical user interface, a selection of at least one of the plurality of communications; and

in response to receiving, through the graphical user interface, the selection of the at least one of the plurality of communications, transmitting the at least one of the plurality of communications from the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device to the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

20. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 14, the method further comprising:

displaying the user list on the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device; and

initiating, at a request of the second patient via the unique identifier, communications between the first patient and the second patient via the first handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device and the second handheld and portable medical testing and monitoring device.

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